Woodstock Public Library

The Woodstock Public Library is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing, and quiet contemplation, providing patrons the right to use materials and services without being disturbed or impeded, and providing patrons and employees a secure and comfortable environment.  The Public Library Act provides the Board of Library Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the library and providing library services and the specific power to “exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed.”
 
The Board of Library Trustees of the Woodstock Public Library establishes its conduct policy as follows:

1. A patron who engages in any activity which is illegal or which materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff  to perform its duties shall cease such activity immediately upon request by library personnel.

2. If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day.  If he or she fails to leave, the police will be summoned

3.  In instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident may be reported to the parent or guardian. The Library Director has the discretion to require a parent or guardian to accompany the child in the library for an agreed upon period of time.

4. Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the library by filing an Incident Form.  The Library Director shall have the discretion to bar the patron from use of the library premises.  
 
5. In the event a patron barred from the use of the library attempts entry to the library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned and informed of the prior action.

6. In the event the individual challenges the decision of the Library Director, he or she may appeal in writing to the Board of Trustees. In lieu of a specific period of exclusion, an individual must make a written request to the Board of Trustees for reinstatement.

August 2002